Apparatus, system, and method for transverse abdominis exercise

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for exercising transverse abdominis muscles, the apparatus comprising a hemispheric element configured to rest over an area of a User&#39;s midsection and a belt configured to secure the hemispheric element in contact with the area of the User&#39;s midsection wherein the area of the User&#39;s midsection may be a User&#39;s belly button.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/446,063 entitled APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSVERSE ABDOMINIS EXERCISE, filed on Jan. 13, 2017 for Christopher Steele, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise and more particularly relates to abdominal exercise.

Description of the Related Art

Exercise is recognized as a valuable aid to fitness and health. While many types of exercise are beneficial, abdominal exercise can be particular important, due in part to the implication of abdominal fat in the risk of heart disease and other harmful conditions. Furthermore, abdominal muscles contribute to core strength, which supports posture, balance, and mobility. Strong abdominal muscles are both functionally and esthetically essential.

The transverse abdominis muscle is located underneath both the external and internal obliques and wraps around the spine. This deepest of all the abdominal muscles provides strength and stability and functions as the body's natural corset. Thus, the transverse abdominis is one of the most critical muscles but also one of the most difficult to specifically exercise. Many common conditions, including pregnancy, excess weight, and aging can stress and weaken the transverse abdominis muscles. Improper training of these muscles can thwart the pursuit of a trim, strong midsection. If this muscle is weak, the belly will literally “hang out”.

Some current exercise routines recommend “isolating” particular muscles groups for effective exercise. Various exercise devices purport to assist in isolating abdominal muscles during exercise. Many of these, however, are large, awkward, and expensive and involve leg lifts or crunch type exercises that can cause back injuries. Furthermore, such devices may fail to isolate and exercise the deep transverse abdominus muscles. Therefore a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that effectively enables a user to isolate and properly exercise the transverse abdominis muscles.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that enables a user to isolate and properly exercise the transverse abdominis muscles. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would be portable, affordable, easy to use, and avoid increased risk of back injury.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available exercise devices and systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for isolating and exercising the transverse abdominis muscles that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

Provided herein is an apparatus for exercising transverse abdominis muscles. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a hemispheric element configured to rest over an area of a User's midsection and a belt configured to secure the convex face of the hemispheric element in contact with the area of the User's midsection, which is sometimes the User's belly button. The hemispheric element may be solid or hollow and may comprise hard rubber, plastic, metal, wood, synthetic foam, leather or other appropriate material. The hemispheric element is sometimes permanently attached and to the belt and sometimes detachably attached to the belt. In certain embodiments the hemispheric element is in the range of from 1.0 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2.0, 2.0 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3.0, 3.0 to 3.5, 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, or 4.5 to 5.0 inches in diameter.

The belt may comprise neoprene, nylon, spandex, lycra, gortex, rubber, or other elastic or non-elastic material. The belt sometimes comprises at least one of wool, cotton, silk, bamboo, and other natural fiber and/or a blend of natural and synthetic materials. In some embodiments the belt is circular and may be slipped on over the User's head or stepped into by the User and pulled up. The belt may be black, colored, or colorless and may be decorated or monogrammed with a preconfigured or custom design.

The apparatus presented herein sometimes further comprises a fastener for securing the belt around a waist of the User. In various embodiments the fastener comprises at least one of a pressure sensitive multiple hook and loop pairing, a hook and eye, a button, a buckle, a snap, and other fastening means. The fastener may be adjustable in order to allow the hemispheric element to contact the area of the User's midsection with comfortable tension. In certain embodiments the fastener is adjacent to either side of the hemispheric element, opposite the hemispheric element, or any intermediate position. The fastener is sometimes integral to the belt.

Also provided herein is a system for exercising transverse abdominis muscles. In some embodiments the system comprises a hemispheric element configured to rest over an area of a User's midsection, a belt configured to secure the convex face of the hemispheric element in contact with the area of the User's midsection, and exercise instructions for use of the hemispheric element and the belt. The exercise instructions may comprise personal coaching or be in print, tactile, audio, video, and/or audio-visual format.

Further provided herein is a method for exercising transverse abdominis muscles. In various embodiments the method comprises providing a User with a hemispheric element and a belt configured to secure the convex face of the hemispheric element in contact with an area of the User's midsection, applying the hemispheric element and the belt to an area the User's midsection, the User performing exercise while noting the engagement of the transverse abdominis muscles; and removing the hemispheric element and the belt.

The area of the User's midsection is sometimes a User's belly button. The method may further comprise adjusting the belt such that the hemispheric element contacts the area of the User's midsection with comfortable pressure. Sometimes the method herein comprises providing the User with instructions for exercise. According to the method herein the User may evaluate a need for further exercise and perform further exercise as indicated.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic line drawing depicting an inside view of an embodiment of a Belly Button™ transverse abdominis ball [hereinafter “TVA BALL”] attached to a belt;

FIG. 1B is a schematic line drawing depicting an outside view of an embodiment of a Belly Button™ TVA BALL attached to a belt;

FIG. 1C is a schematic line drawing depicting a side view of an embodiment of a Belly Button™ TVA BALL attached to a belt;

FIG. 2 is a schematic line drawing depicting an embodiment of a Belly Button™ comprising a TVA BALL and belt assembly as worn;

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for transverse abdominis exercise; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic line drawing illustrating a system for transverse abdominis exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of various materials, components, and configurations, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagram included herein is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 1A illustrates an inside view of an embodiment of a Belly Button™ transverse abdominis isolator 100 comprising a TVA BALL 102, an belt 104, and a fastener 106. In some embodiments the TVA BALL 102 comprises hard rubber. The TVA BALL 102 sometimes comprises materials including without limitation plastic, metal, wood, synthetic foam, and leather. The TVA BALL 102 may be permanently attached to the belt 104 and is sometimes detachably attached to the belt 104. In some embodiments the TVA BALL 102 is in the range of from 1.5 to 5 inches in diameter. The TVA BALL 102 is sometimes approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. The TVA BALL 102 may be available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the physique and preferences of a user. The TVA BALL 102 may be available in a range of either standardized or custom colors.

The belt 104 may comprise without limitation neoprene, nylon, spandex, lycra, gortex, rubber, or other elastic and non-elastic material. In certain embodiments the belt 104 comprises a natural fiber including without limitation wool, cotton, silk and bamboo. The belt 104 sometimes comprises a blend of natural and synthetic materials. The belt 104 may be black or various colors. In certain embodiments colors may be custom selected. The belt 104 is sometimes decorated or monogrammed with a preconfigured or custom design.

In some embodiments the fastener 106 comprises, without limitation, a pressure sensitive multiple hook and loop pairing, a hook and eye, a button, a buckle, a snap, and other fastening means. The fastener 106 is sometimes adjustable in order to allow the TVA BALL 102 to contact the abdomen of a user with comfortable tension. The fastener 106 is sometimes integral to the belt 104. In certain embodiments the belt 104 is circular and may be slipped on over the head or stepped into and pulled up. The fastener 106 may be positioned at any place along the length of belt 104 including without limitation adjacent to either side of the TVA BALL 102, opposite the TVA BALL 102, or at any intermediate position.

FIG. 1B illustrates an outside view of an embodiment of a Belly Button™ transverse abdominis isolator 100 comprising a TVA BALL 102, a belt 104, and a fastener 106.

FIG. 1C is illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a Belly Button™ transverse abdominis isolator 100 comprising a TVA BALL 102, a belt 104, and a fastener 106, showing the inward protrusion of the TVA BALL 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the Belly Button™ transverse abdominis isolator 100 as worn. As illustrated a User 202 applies the belt 104 so as to position the TVA BALL 102 over the User 202's midsection, for non-limiting example the User's belly button 204. The User 202 may adjust the tension of the belt 104 to bring the TVA BALL 102 in contact with his or her belly button 204 in a snug but comfortable fit. In certain embodiments the User 202 performs transverse abdomimis exercises, which may be supplied with the Belly Button™ transverse abdominis isolator 100 or obtained elsewhere. The pressure of the TVA BALL may help the User 202 focus on isolating and exercising certain muscles.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method 300 of use of the Belly Button™ in which a User follows 320 application and/or exercise instructions, applies 304 TVA BALL to his or her midsection, fastens 306 the belt, adjusts 308 the belt for comfort, takes note 310 of engaging his or her transverse abdominis muscles, performs 312 exercise, and removes the belt and TVA BALL. In certain embodiments the User evaluates 316 indications for further exercise, if yes the User returns to 310, if no the User releases 318 belt.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system 400 for exercising transverse abdominis muscles. As depicted the embodiment comprises a TVA BALL 102, a belt 104, and instructions 402 for use and exercise. In certain embodiments the instructions 402 for exercise may comprise personal coaching or be in print, tactile, audio, video, or audio-video format. The instructions 402 may comprise directions for applying the belt 104 and TVA BALL 102. The instructions 402 sometimes instruct the User on performing and detecting engagement of the transverse abdominis muscles and/or supplies exercises designed to work these muscles.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for exercising transverse abdominis muscles, the apparatus comprising: a hemispheric element configured to contact an area of a User's midsection; and a belt configured to secure the hemispheric element in contact with the area of the User's midsection.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the area of the User's midsection is a User's belly button.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hemispheric element is solid or hollow and comprises at least one of hard rubber, plastic, metal, wood, synthetic foam, and leather.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hemispheric element is a least one of permanently attached and detachably attached to the belt.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hemispheric element is in the range of from 1.0 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2.0, 2.0 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3.0, 3.0 to 3.5, 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, and 4.5 to 5.0 inches in diameter.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt comprises at least one of neoprene, nylon, spandex, lycra, gortex, rubber, and other elastic and non-elastic material.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt comprises at least one of wool, cotton, silk, bamboo, other natural fiber, and a blend of natural and synthetic materials.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt is circular and may be slipped on over the User's head or stepped into by the User and pulled up.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt is decorated or monogrammed with a preconfigured or custom design.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fastener for securing the belt around a waist of the User.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the fastener comprises at least one of a pressure sensitive multiple hook and loop pairing, a hook and eye, a button, a buckle, a snap, and other fastening means.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the fastener is adjustable in order to allow the hemispheric element to contact the area of the User's midsection with comfortable tension.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein a position of the fastener on the belt is at least one of adjacent to a side of the hemispheric element, opposite the hemispheric element, any intermediate position, and integral to the belt.
 14. A system for exercising transverse abdominis muscles, the system comprising: a hemispheric element configured to rest over an area of a User's midsection; a belt configured to secure a convex face of the hemispheric element in contact with the area of the User's midsection; and exercise instructions for use of the hemispheric element and the belt.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the exercise instructions are in an at least one of a personal coaching, print, tactile, audio, audio-visual, and video format.
 16. A method for exercising transverse abdominis muscles, the method comprising: providing a User with a hemispheric element and a belt configured to secure a convex face of the hemispheric element in contact with an area of the User's midsection; applying the hemispheric element and the belt to an area the User's midsection; the User performing exercise while noting the engagement of the transverse abdominis muscles; and removing the hemispheric element and the belt.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the area of the User's midsection is a User's belly button.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising adjusting the belt such that the hemispheric element contacts the area of the User's midsection with comfortable pressure.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing the User with instructions for exercise.
 20. The method of claim 16 further comprising evaluating a need for further exercise and performing the further exercise if indicated. 